In case you haven’t been following the exciting news surrounding this decade-long bus rapid transit project, the Silver Line will run with eight hybrid electric buses, dedicated bus lanes, and traffic signal priority technology to boost efficiency and holds green lights to reduce stoppages. The routeacts as a connecting point for local municipalities running mostly along S. Division Avenue from 60th St. in Wyoming, north through Kentwood into Grand Rapids.

But there’s more to this bus rapid transit line than new stations boasting level-boarding platforms and snow-melting mechanisms. The short list of possibilities to note include the following:

Development along the Silver Line route

Increasing property values

Increased economic generation due to improved transportation options

Relocation of individuals and families into city’s core to be closer to more transportation options

The uniting of Wyoming, Kentwood, and Grand Rapids via transit oriented development near the route

With new development comes new jobs. And while real numbers aren’t available for the impact of bus rapid transit in Grand Rapids yet, in 2012 the Federal Transit Administration’s Peter Rogoff predicted the BRT route would see “some 30,000 jobs in the central business district,” as it’s just one-quarter mile off the Silver Line’s route. Significant job impact is highly dependent on the type of development that’s generated.

Where public transportation goes, community grows. What’s your vision for the Division Ave. corridor in five years due to the impact of the Silver Line?

Written by The Rapid

The Rapid (Interurban Transit Partnership) is the authority that provides a variety of public transportation services for the Grand Rapids metro area and beyond. It is organized and operates under Michigan Public Act 196 of 1986.

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